The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration window is set to close on 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM IST. Conducted by IIM Indore, CAT is the primary gateway for admission to the 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,500 other leading B-schools across India.
Key Live Updates (as of early September 2026)
- Registration started on 3 August 2026 at 10:00 AM.
- Last date to submit the form and pay the fee: 15 September 2026 (5:00 PM).
- No official extension has been announced so far.
- Exam Date: 29 November 2026 (Sunday) in three sessions across approximately 170 cities.
- Admit Card: Expected from 4 November 2026.
- Result: Expected in the first week of January 2027.
Candidates who have not yet completed registration are strongly advised to finish the process at the earliest to avoid last-minute server issues.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | INR 2,700 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | INR 1,350 |
The fee is non-refundable and has to be paid only once, irrespective of the number of IIM programmes selected. Payment can be made online via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI or Wallet.
How to Fill the IIM CAT 2026 Application Form
- Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
- Click on “New Candidate Registration”.
- Enter basic details (Name as per Class 10 certificate, Date of Birth, Email ID, Mobile Number) and complete OTP verification.
- Login using the generated User ID and Password.
- Fill personal, academic (Class 10, 12 and Graduation), and work experience details carefully.
- Select preferred IIM programmes and interview cities (if applicable).
- Choose up to five test cities in order of preference.
- Upload a recent colour photograph, signature and category/PwBD certificate (if applicable) in the prescribed format and size.
- Preview the entire form thoroughly.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and download/save the confirmation page and payment receipt.
Important Tip: Double-check every detail before payment, as major corrections are not allowed after submission (only limited edits such as photo/signature/test city may be permitted during a short correction window later).
Eligibility Snapshot
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD).
- Final-year students are also eligible to apply.
CAT 2026 Registration Closes on September 15: Live Updates, Fees and How to Fill IIM CAT Form FAQs
Can I edit my CAT form after submission?
Only limited corrections (mainly photo, signature and test city) are expected during a short correction window in late September or early October. Core details cannot be changed.
What is the exact last date and time to register for CAT 2026?
15 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM IST. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline.
Is the CAT application fee refundable?
No, the fee is completely non-refundable under any circumstances.
How many test cities can I select while filling the form?
You can select up to five preferred test cities in order of preference.
I am in the final year of graduation. Can I still apply for CAT 2026?
Yes, final-year students are eligible provided they meet the percentage criteria by the time of admission.
Do I need to pay extra fee if I select multiple IIMs?
No. The registration fee is paid only once, irrespective of the number of IIM programmes you apply for.
What documents do I need to keep ready before filling the form?
Class 10 & 12 marksheets, graduation marksheets/degree, recent photograph, signature, and category/PwBD certificate (if applicable).
When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?
Admit cards are expected to be available for download from 4 November 2026 onwards.
What if I face payment or technical issues on the last day?
Complete the form and payment well before 15 September. Keep transaction receipts and contact the official CAT helpdesk if needed.
Where can I find the official CAT 2026 information brochure and registration link?
Everything is available only on the official website – iimcat.ac.in. Avoid third-party websites.